Bücher von Edward Hoffman

Hasidism—a mystical branch of Judaism that is today the object of renewed interest—traditionally has as its leaders well-trained masters whose way of counseling their followers may be of interest to those in other helping disciplines. Sparks of Light examines the history and techniques of their advising people on the problems of everyday life—health, finances, family—as well as more spiritual concerns. Schachter and Hoffman take a close look at the techniques of the Hasidic masters—dream interpretation, shock, problem solving, and the prescription of spiritual exercises to unlock the door of the mind. They also focus on such intriguing topics as how Hasidic masters are trained, the range of difficulties for which struggling Jews seek their help, the intuitive methods of counseling that are used, and the kinds of mystical and practical advice offered in response to life''s challenges. This book—based on original translations of Hasidic tales and writings, many never before translated—will appeal to those in the helping profession, as well as readers of Jewish history.

The Kabbalah is Judaism's intriguing mystical tradition, thousands of years old. In recent years, a growing number of people—both Jews and non-Jews—are finding the Kabbalah to be a fascinating treasure house of wisdom about the human mind. Men and women are discovering and applying Jewish mystical insights in daily life, and professionals in such fields as psychology, psychotherapy, and medicine are actively using Kabbalah in their work. Opening the Inner Gates is an anthology concerning these new explorations. In sixteen chapters, thirteen contributors present both theoretical considerations and applied methods of Kabbalah in such areas as healing, the mind-body relationship, dreamwork, intuition and creativity, storytelling, women's spirituality, parenting, working with the elderly, and "repairing the world" (tikkun olam). Contributors:LaVera Draisin, MD • Gerald Epstein, MD • Sheldon Kramer, PhD • Rabbi Steven Rosman, PhD • Edward Hoffman, PhD • Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi • Steven Joseph, MD • Howard Schwartz • Rabbi Chaim Richter • Alyce R. Tresenfeld • Mark Malachi • Rabbi Rami Shapiro • Laya Firestone Seghi

Reveals how the Kabbalah exerted a profound influence on the establishment and growth of Western psychological thought. This title offers a presentation of Kabalistic metaphysics and cosmology; and discusses the psychological dimensions of Kabbalah on such topics as dreams, meditation, sexuality, community, health and emotions.

Here is an accessible introduction to the life and wisdom of the famous twelfth-century philosopher-physician Moses Maimonides, whose prolific writings on medical and religious issues, commentaries on Jewish texts, and writings on Jewish ethics and law profoundly influenced Judaism. The Wisdom of Maimonides includes a biography; a section of selected teachings drawn from Maimonides'' major works The Guide for the Perplexed and the Mishneh Torah, as well as his other writings; and tales about Maimonides'' colorful life as a court physician and rabbinic leader.